In a significant move, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has unveiled a new executive regulation set to safeguard passenger rights in Saudi Arabia. This regulation, poised to be effective from November 20, 2023, replaces the existing one and introduces a host of provisions aimed at enhancing the passenger experience while traveling.
With 30 comprehensive articles, this regulation is designed to secure passengers' rights to proper care, assistance, and compensation. These compensations can amount to a remarkable 150-200 percent of the ticket value. The range of scenarios that trigger these compensations is broad, including flight cancellations, early departures, delays, overbooking refusals, and downgrading situations. Notably, some of these compensations are pegged at an impressive 150 and 200 percent of the original ticket value, as mandated by the new regulation.
For passengers facing the unfortunate loss of their luggage, the new regulation guarantees a financial compensation equivalent to SR6568. Similarly, in cases of damaged, defective, or delayed baggage, passengers can claim a financial compensation not exceeding SR6568.
The regulation extends its protection to travelers encountering unforeseen stopovers that weren't initially communicated upon booking their tickets. It also outlines the responsibilities and obligations of both passengers and air carriers.
Crucially, the regulation champions the rights of passengers with disabilities and specific needs, further ensuring that these travelers are treated fairly and equitably. This provision is especially relevant for those embarking on chartered flights, such as the seasonal Hajj and Umrah trips.
By ushering in this new regulation, GACA aims to elevate air transport services' standards, boost efficiency, and enhance the overall travel experience to and from Saudi Arabia. This entails providing essential care and support to passengers, thereby fostering organized, secure, and comfortable travel.
Eng. Abdulaziz Aldahmash, GACA's Vice President for Quality and Traveler Experience, emphasizes the regulation's dedication to passenger satisfaction. It reflects GACA's commitment to enhancing the Kingdom's air travel experience by shielding passengers from unexpected air traffic changes and offering them better alternatives.
This adoption of the new regulation underscores GACA's unwavering commitment to development and enhancing the passenger experience. It aligns with the goals of the national aviation sector strategy, as Saudi Arabia advances towards Vision 2030. This strategy is integral to empowering the tourism sector and diversifying the economy.
Notably, GACA remains steadfast in its endeavor to develop and enhance systems across the board. Through various initiatives and programs, GACA contributes to advancing the local, regional, and global air transport industry. These efforts adhere to the latest international standards, driven by the national strategy for the civil aviation sector. This strategy's ultimate ambition is to establish Saudi Arabia as a prominent player in the Middle East's aviation landscape, targeting impressive milestones, including 330 million passengers, a capacity of 4.5 million tons of air freight, and 250 air connectivity destinations by 2030.
